Geneva - Saab 9-5 Press Kit

LUTON, UNITED KINGDOM – March 1, 2010: The all new Saab 9-5 Saloon
signals the start of a new era for the Saab brand. Sleek, sophisticated and
unmistakably Saab, it combines stand-out looks with advanced technologies
and will bring a fresh alternative choice to the premium sedan segment when
sales start later this year.

The clean, sculpted shape embraces the purity of Scandinavian design and
its dramatic wraparound window graphic echoes Saab’s aviation
heritage. With frontal styling inspired by the award-winning Aero X concept
car and a muscular, low-slung stance, the all new 9-5 heralds the
introduction of a bold, more expressive design language.

The all-turbo powertrain line-up starts at 1.6 litres and carries
forward Saab’s rightsizing engine strategy, which focuses on
responsible performance through the development of highly efficient and
relatively small four cylinder turbo engines. There is a choice of three
fuels - petrol, diesel and E85 bioethanol – and with diesel power,
the all new 9-5 offers CO2emissions as low as 139 g/km.

“This car is the start of a new era for our brand,” says Jan
Åke Jonsson, Saab Automobile’s Managing Director. “We have
created an advanced and very distinctive product by leveraging the power of
our roots in key areas, such as progressive Scandinavian design, sporty
driving and responsible performance. The all new 9-5 delivers in all these
respects, as will every future product from Saab.”

Scandinavian DesignForward-looking design that doesn’t
ignore where it’s coming from – that sums up the visual appeal
of the all new Saab 9-5 saloon. “We are giving a fresh, very modern
expression to some of our classic brand design cues,” says Simon
Padian, Saab Brand Design Chief. “We have taken visual themes in our
recent concept cars, such as the Aero X, which are inspired by Scandinavian
design and our brand’s aircraft heritage.”

The face of the all new 9-5 is defined by a deep grille flanked with
curving, ice-block headlamp units. The entire glasshouse is presented as a
‘wraparound’ mono graphic, the disguised windshield and side
pillars giving the cabin Saab’s signature cockpit look. The
proportions of the windscreen and roof become reminiscent of the classic
900 model.

Viewed from any angle, the all new 9-5 cuts a strong and powerful
stance. The ‘organic sculpture’ of the low-slung body blends
clean, uncluttered lines with natural, curvaceous shapes. Brand design cues
are evident in the ‘hockey stick’ belt-line, the strong rear
C-pillars and the fuselage-smooth surfacing of the bodywork. The Saab logo
embossed in the centre of the grille characterises the more assertive,
self-confident design language.

The car’s dynamic character is emphasised by a falling roof-line
that culminates in sweeping rear pillars which buttress into a slightly
recessed rear screen. Latent energy is conveyed by wings that are subtly
pulled out to blend into the wheels. Below that smooth, flat rear deck, a
full-width, ice-block rear light bar wraps into signature lighting.

The all new 9-5’s overall proportions stretch the traditional
three-box saloon silhouette, while avoiding the fastback cliché of a
four-door coupé look.

Driver-focused cabinInside the spacious cabin, simple forms
define its architecture and echo the design purity of the exterior.
Compared to its predecessor, legroom is increased both front and rear. The
choice of materials, the fit and finish and the tactile quality of the
controls all reflect the all new 9-5’s premium appeal.

The driver-focused cockpit is traditional Saab, while its execution is
all new. The deep centre console sweeps up at a shallow angle around the
driver into the main instrument display, which is topped by a neat
ventilation zone. Deeply recessed main dials include an aircraft
instrument-style speed read-out, a reference to Saab’s aviation
heritage from the Aero X concept. Driver displays, including the optional
head-up display (HUD) in the windscreen, are predominantly illuminated in
signature Saab green and have a crisp, floating appearance. The car’s
ignition, now a start/stop button, remains between the front seats, next to
the gear shift.

Infotainment choices include a top-of-the-line Harman/Kardon audio
system and an 8-inch touchscreen navigation system with hard disk storage
for map data and 10 GB of jukebox-style music files. A large centre console
provides stowage and connections for several portable devices through USB
and AUX ports alongside a 12V power outlet.

Rear passengers can listen to their own audio or watch a DVD. The rear
seat entertainment unit in the back of the centre console accommodates
audio controls and fold-out viewing screens are installed in the front
seat-backs. Wired and Wireless headphones are provided for listening and
viewing.

On the roadAn array of chassis technologies is focused on
delivering a sporty, rewarding driving experience that belies the
9-5’s size.

Saab XWD, the industry-leading all-wheel-drive system, already available
on the Saab 9-3, is offered with all engines except the 1.6-litre gasoline
and 2.0TiD 160 hp turbo diesel.

Available throughout the range is adaptive chassis control with driver
settings selection through DriveSense, Bi-Xenon Smart Beam adaptive
lighting and adaptive cruise control. Two different suspension layouts are
factory-fitted according to engine power and both are available with a
sport chassis setting.

Saab has some 30 years experience in turbocharging engines and the
all-turbo powertrain line-up in the all new 9-5 further develops
Saab’s rightsizing engine strategy. At launch, the four cylinder
choice comprises a 160 hp, 2.0-litre turbo diesel with CO2 emissions of
just 139 gm/km and a 2.0-litre petrol turbo developing 220 hp. A
top-of-the-line 2.8-litre V6 turbo, generating 300 hp and 400 Nm of torque,
is offered exclusively with XWD and automatic transmission.

Shortly after launch, a 1.6-litre petrol turbo with 180 hp will be
introduced, together with a 2.0-litre turbo BioPower E85-capable engine. A
powerful 190 hp, 2.0-litre twin turbo diesel, generating 400 Nm of torque,
will complete the powertrain line-up.

All transmissions are six-speed.

New eraDefined and equipped by Saab as its top-of-the-line
contender in the premium saloon segment, the all new 9-5 is the most
technically advanced car ever produced by the company. It will be built at
Saab’s home plant in Trollhättan, where it has been engineered and
chiefly developed.

The all new 9-5 heralds the start of a new era for Saab. Scandinavian
simplicity was never this advanced!

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